The Reason Why the Forsaken Fake Returned Chapter 92

To determine the truth of what Octavia said, verification was necessary. It was too sensitive a matter to send someone else, so going personally was the only option. The venue was a tavern that only allowed couples.

 

The following night, as soon as it got late, Shailoh volunteered to accompany Caleb. Both of them, in disguise, paid the entrance fee and stepped inside, revealing a spacious area that belied its cramped exterior.

 

“I expected a seedy back alley, but this is surprising.”

 

“They chose a place that defies expectations to avoid suspicion.”

 

The dimly lit tavern was nearly full. Caleb discreetly slipped a tip to a waiter who was loitering nearby.

 

“If you don’t like noisy spots, there’s a quieter place available.”

 

“That sounds good.”

 

As soon as they got the go-ahead, the waiter led them to a vacant spot on the edge. Once seated, Caleb ordered two light cocktails.

 

Watching the waiter walk away, Shailoh whispered, “Today is the day the letters are exchanged, right?”

 

“We know what they look like, so we just need to wait here and approach them. You just stay put.”

 

“Isn’t it dangerous?”

 

“We’re not making a move today. Today is just to confirm things, so it’s fine.”

 

At Caleb’s firm words, Shailoh nodded quietly. True to the tavern’s policy of admitting only couples, the gender ratio was perfectly balanced. It seemed to cater mainly to lovers, as many couples were whispering sweet nothings to each other. Shailoh gulped down water to quench her thirst, and soon the drinks and light snacks they had ordered arrived.

 

“A singer will be performing shortly. Enjoy your time.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

The waiter who had just shown them to their seats bowed politely and left. Without touching the items on the table, Shailoh and Caleb carefully surveyed their surroundings. The person delivering the letter from Queen Ingrid was said to be a woman with long, reddish-blonde hair. However, no such person was in sight.

 

“What if Octavia’s information is a trap?”

 

“That’s unlikely. It would be more dangerous for her.” Caleb shook his head and took a sip from his cocktail glass.

 

It couldn’t be a trap. Octavia Ferus was not only the third prince’s fiancée but also the cherished niece of Duke Ferus, who held sway over the South. Using her identity to set a trap would be detrimental rather than beneficial. Even if they were caught here, they could simply feign ignorance and claim they were just out for a good time, leaving the other side with no argument.

 

“Duke Ferus wouldn’t set such a sloppy trap. He’s far too shrewd for that.”

 

“That’s true.”

 

In the end, it seemed all of this was Octavia Ferus acting on her own. She was thought to be a sheltered, delicate flower, but she turned out to be more reckless and bold than expected. Was she even aware of what she was doing, blinded by her first love? The flames of emotion burned fiercely in those eyes, a blind passion that made Shailoh feel uneasy and uncomfortable. It reminded him too much of himself just a few months ago.

 

“I’ll take a look around.” Caleb, aware of the curious glances from others, gave Shailoh a light kiss on the cheek before standing up.

 

Shailoh, who was about to rise with him, reconsidered and sat back down. “Go ahead.”

 

“I’ll be back soon.” With that promise, Caleb quickly disappeared into the bustling crowd.

 

Feeling a bit bored just sitting there, Shailoh raised a hand to order another drink, but someone recognized him before the waiter could arrive.

 

“Milady?”

 

There were very few people who would call her ‘Milady.’ Shailoh turned her head sharply, and her eyes widened.

 

“You’re…”

 

“It’s been a long time!”

 

It was none other than Anna, the maid she had been close with at the Barony Kildare. They were only three or four years apart in age and had been like friends.

 

“Anna!” Surprised and delighted to see an unexpected familiar face, Shailoh jumped to her feet.

 

Anna approached quickly and took Shailoh’s hands in hers. “I’ve been watching from over there, and I thought it might be you. It’s really been a long time!”

 

“Yes, it has. How have you been?”

 

“Great! What about your companion? Mind if I sit for a bit?”

 

“He stepped out for a moment. Of course, have a seat.”

 

Shailoh looked around, but there was no sign of the woman with the reddish-brown hair. Thinking she could keep an eye out while chatting, she offered the seat across from her.

 

Anna, who was examining Shailoh with a nostalgic expression, teared up. “The rumors were true. It really is you.”

 

“Yeah. So the news has spread that far already.”

 

“I don’t know if it’s reached the Barony Kildare. I left there a while ago and came to the capital.”

 

“Oh, really?”

 

“Yes. By the way, the baroness has been very worried about you.”

 

“Please tell her I’m really sorry.” Shailoh averted her gaze, lowering her eyes. The face of the baroness, who had treated her like a real granddaughter, flickered in her mind. “As you might already know, things turned out that way… I just didn’t have the courage to visit. I was also afraid she might misunderstand me.”

 

“There’s no way! The baroness always believed in you.”

 

“Really?” Shailoh lifted her head, wiping away her tears.

 

With a sympathetic look, Anna helped her dry her eyes. “Of course. But, setting aside the fact that you didn’t reach out first, why didn’t you respond to her letters?”

 

“…What?” Shailoh blinked silently, feeling her heart drop.

 

“The baroness knew that Baron Cal was actually the prince, and she suspected that ‘Sasha Griche’ was you. So she sent several letters after your debut, but she never received a single reply.”

 

“Is that… really true?”

 

“Of course. I sent them myself.” Anna nodded with an innocent expression.

 

Shailoh, hiding her trembling hands, mumbled before Anna could notice anything strange. “Then maybe they got mixed up with other letters. I’m sorry.”

 

“No worries. You’re quite popular, so you must have received a lot of fan mail. I understand. But now that you know, please write to the baroness. She’s been waiting for your reply.”

 

“I will. Thank you for telling me.”

 

“You’re welcome. Well, I should… Oh! There he is!” Just as Anna was about to rise and say goodbye, she suddenly waved at someone. A man approached them, and Shailoh recognized his familiar face first.

 

“Mr. Nox?”

 

“Miss Griche.” Nox, equally surprised, looked between Anna and Shailoh before speaking. “Why are you two together?”

 

The answer came almost simultaneously from both women.

 

“She’s the young lady I served for two years at my previous job.”

 

“She’s the person who took care of me at the place I used to stay.”

 

“Ah.” Nox, having instantly grasped the relationship between the two, cheekily sat down next to Anna.

 

Now it was Shailoh’s turn. Reflecting on the intriguing connection, she suddenly asked the two sitting across from her. “How did you two meet?”

 

“My brother is taking lessons from Mr. Nox. He’s performing here today.”

 

“Ah, I see.”

 

As soon as she spoke, the curtain on a small stage in the corner rose. The signal that the performance was about to start quieted the previously noisy crowd.

 

Anna, with a bright smile, stood up. “Then I’ll go say hello before it starts.”

 

“Alright.”

 

“See you soon.”

 

Anna turned and walked away.

 

Nox, who had been watching her leave absentmindedly, suddenly asked. “Miss Griche, who did you come with? You can’t get in here without a partner.”

 

“Well.” Shailoh was about to answer honestly, but then closed her mouth. She suddenly remembered the purpose of her visit. There was no need for others to know she came with Caleb. She was about to make up something when Nox, quick on the uptake, beat her to it.

 

“You came with His Highness, didn’t you?”

 

“…It’s a secret.”

 

“I figured as much when you came in wearing a wig. Though I don’t know why.”

 

“You won’t tell anyone, right?”

 

“Of course not. I have that much loyalty.” Nox, feeling thirsty, waved to the server, but they seemed too busy to notice.

 

Shailoh instinctively grabbed Nox’s arm as he was about to get up. “Here, I ordered two drinks, but one hasn’t been touched.”

 

“Can I have it?”

 

“Of course. I doubt His Highness will drink any more.”

 

“Thank you.” Nox gave a small smile as he lifted the glass to drink.